Go light your world

Philippians 2:14-16: “Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

We as Christ-followers live in a dark world. Anyone can look at the evening news and see just how dark and dismal this world is. Rape, gang violence, pornography, lawlessness, road rage, child abuse, sadistic and brutal behavior, drugs, and hate run rampant in the streets of everyday America. It is not limited to cities such as Troy, NY where a friend of mine was a victim of a brutal crime, or Salt Lake City, where a young girl was taken from her home as she slept. It is also in small towns and out of the way places like Nickel Mines, Pa, where a gunman shot 10 Amish girls execution style. We live in a dark place and in a dark time.

Paul called the Philippians to live a life that shines light in the dark places. He writes, “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” Christ-followers are to be the light of this world. We are to be the difference in this world. That is why we are asked to do things without complaint and disputing, behaving in ways that honor Christ and cause people to ask us why are we different. We are called to live in a way that is contrary to the way the world lives. We are different because we have Jesus abiding with us. We serve a Risen Savior, and we follow what His word tells us to do. Christ-followers are to be blameless and harmless in a harmful world. Kathy Troccoli sings a song called Go Light Your World. She sings, “Carry your candle, run to the darkness, Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn, Hold out your candle for all to see it, Take your candle, and go light your world.”

We need to go and light up our world for Jesus

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Isaiah 37-38 New Testament Philippians 3